No-spill drinking cup apparatus

ABSTRACT

An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valve near the spout, causing the valve to invert which unblocks an opening in the valve. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout. When not in use, the valve sits in a resting, closed position, with the valve pressed against a center seal-off, sealing off the opening in the valve assembly. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills or even deliberate attempts to force liquid outside of the cup, such as by turning the cup upside down, or shaking the cup, are ineffective. The cup assembly further allows liquid flow to be regulated between regular or maximum flow and minimal flow levels or rates by rotating the position of the valve assembly in the cover of the cup.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. NonprovisionalApplication Ser. No. 09/138,588 filed Aug. 21, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No.6,321,931 B1, which claims the priority of U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/056,218 filed Aug. 21, 1997. The priority of bothapplications is claimed, and both applications are fully incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a no-spill cup assembly with animproved valve mechanism to prevent liquid from flowing out of the cupwhen not desired.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

No-spill cup assemblies are well known in the art. In the past, avariety of such assemblies have been developed and marketed. In general,the goal of a no-spill cup is to provide a construction which minimizesor prevents liquid from emerging out of the cup when liquid flow is notdesired, i.e. when the user is not drinking. However, though theassemblies of the prior art are intended to avoid such accidents, theirconstruction is such that they generally do not provide a secure enoughprotection against undesirable spilling or leakage. Thus, when such cupsare inverted, or more significantly, when they are shaken vigorously,liquid will often emerge from them. This can be a particular problemwith young children, for whom these cups are usually intended.Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved cup assembly forpreventing undesired spilling of liquids.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved no-spillcup assembly.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cupassembly which prevents liquid from flowing out of the cup when the useris not drinking.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a cup assembly whichminimizes and/or eliminates accidental or undesirable liquid flow orspillage out of the cup.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a cup assembly whichprovides the ability to regulate the flow rate of liquid out of the cup.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a cup assembly whichcan be used by young children, to avoid accidental spilling of liquidtherefrom.

Further objects of the invention will become apparent in conjunctionwith the disclosure herein.

In accordance with the invention, an improved cup construction and valveassembly is provided which provides an extremely secure seal againstaccidental liquid flow from the cup spout. Further to the invention, auser places his or her mouth against the spout of the cup assembly tosuck liquid out of the cup when desired. The act of sucking at the spoutof the cup creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valvein the cup spout, causing the valve to invert, or turn inside out,either partially or totally, thereby unblocking an opening such as anorifice or slit in the valve. Once the opening is unblocked, liquid canflow freely through the valve and spout.

In contrast, when not in use, the valve sits in a resting, closedposition, with the valve pressed against the center seal-off, therebysealing off the opening or slit in the valve assembly. Thus, in itsrelaxed state, with no negative pressure applied, the valve sits in aclosed position with the fluid opening sealed by the center seal-off.Moreover, in accordance with the dual valve nature of the device in thepreferred embodiment, an adjacent valve similarly seals when no negativepressure is applied, thereby blocking off the air vents in the cover ofthe cup, and further preventing the possibility of fluid flow.Consequently, the closed position provides an extremely secure sealagainst fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills or even deliberateattempts to force liquid outside of the cup, such as by turning the cupupside down, or shaking the cup, are ineffective.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the cup assembly allows liquidflow to be regulated between regular or maximum flow and minimal flowlevels or rates by rotating the position of a valve assembly in the capor cover of the cup. The valve holder is constructed as a two subunitassembly, with one subassembly holding a valve with a larger slit ororifice for fluid flow than the valve in the second subunit. Thus, uponrotation of the valve holder, either a low-flow valve or a higher flowvalve can be positioned in the hole leading to the spout. In thismanner, a dual position valve assembly is provided allowing eitherregular flow or minimal liquid flow conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1(a) is an exploded front view of a no-spill cup assembly inaccordance with the present invention. FIG. 1(b) is an explodedperspective view of the no-spill cup assembly of FIG. 1(a).

FIG. 2(a) is an exploded front view of a second embodiment of a no-spillcup assembly in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 1(b) is anexploded perspective view of the no-spill cup assembly of FIG. 2(a).

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the valve assembly of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of thevalve assembly of the no-spill cup, in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 5(a) is an exploded front view of the cup assembly of the presentinvention, showing the rotation of the valve holder or assembly, intotwo alternate positions for placement in the cap or cover of the cup.FIG. 5(b) is an exploded perspective view, showing the placement of thevalve holder into the cap, in either of the two positions illustrated inFIG. 5(a).

FIG. 6 is a series of additional views of the valve holder or assemblyof FIG. 3. FIG. 6(a) is a top view of the valve holder. FIG. 6(b) is afront view of the valve holder. FIG. 6(c) is a side view of the valveholder. FIG. 6(d) is a cross-sectional view of the valve holder whereinthe valve is in a relaxed state, sealing off fluid flow. FIG. 6(e) is across-sectional view of the valve holder, showing the valve in aninverted state, to allow fluid flow through the valve.

FIG. 7 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of thevalve assembly of the no-spill cup, in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a series of additional views of a further embodiment of thevalve assembly shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8(a) is a top view of the valveholder or assembly. FIG. 8(b) is a front view of the valve holder. FIG.8(c) is a side view of the valve holder. FIG. 8(d) is a cross-sectionalview of the valve holder wherein the valve is in a relaxed state,sealing off fluid flow. FIG. 8(e) is a cross-sectional view of the valveholder, showing the valve in an inverted state, to allow fluid flowthrough the valve.

FIG. 9 is a series of additional views of another embodiment of thevalve assembly shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9(a) is a top view of the valveholder or assembly. FIG. 9(b) is a front view of the valve holder. FIG.9(c) is a side view of the valve holder. FIG. 9(d) is a cross-sectionalview of the valve holder wherein the valve is in a relaxed state,sealing off fluid flow. FIG. 9(e) is a cross-sectional view of the valveholder, showing the valve in an inverted state, to allow fluid flowthrough the valve.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a no-spill cup with a soft gripping area, inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a series of additional views of another embodiment of the capof the present invention. FIG. 11(a) is a partial sectional view of acap with an insert molded or glued in gasket, in accordance with theinvention. FIG. 11(b) is a side sectional view of the cap of FIG. 11(a).FIG. 11(c) is a top sectional view of the cap of FIG. 11(b).

FIG. 12 is a series of additional views of another embodiment of the capof the present invention. FIG. 12(a) is a partial sectional view of acap with a molded lip which wedges against into the inside surface ofthe cup, in accordance with the invention. FIG. 12(b) is a sidesectional view of the cap of FIG. 12(a). FIG. 12(c) is a top sectionalview of the cap of FIG. 12(b).

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of a cap having a soft spout, inaccordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of a cap having a reduced volume spout,in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As will be shown in conjunction with the attached drawings, a novel cupassembly is disclosed for providing prevention against accidental liquidspills. FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) are a front view and a perspective view,respectively, of an embodiment of the cup assembly, in accordance withthe present invention. The volume of the cup or liquid holding portionof the assembly can be adjusted as desired. In one embodiment, a 7 oz.drinking cup is provided, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, a 9 oz.drinking cup, as shown in FIG. 2, a 6½ oz. cup, or any other desiredsize can be provided, as well.

The sides of the cup can be provided with no handles, one handle, twohandles or any other number of handles, for the user's use to grip thecup. This handle or handle is preferably sized for a child's hands. Inaddition, the outside appearance of the cup and/or the cap can be asolid color, or can be printed with any desired design.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a no spill cup with a softgripping area can be provided, as shown in FIG. 10. In accordance withthis embodiment, a soft ring 102 is provided around the outside of thecup. This ring can be of any width desired, and serves as a finger grip,to make it easier to grasp the cup securely. Preferably, the ring isapproximately two inches (2″) wide. In a preferred embodiment, the softring 102 has shapes or designs 106 cut out of it, such as stars, ovals,or so forth. The hard cup, in turn, has raised areas or protuberancescorresponding to those shapes or designs. The soft ring fits snugly overthese raised areas of the cup, each of the protruding hard shapesfitting into the cutouts of the soft ring, with the surface of theraised areas and the soft ring being flush when the ring is insertedonto the cup.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cup is constructed frompolycarbonate. In an alternate embodiment, the cup is constructed frompolypropylene. If desired, clear polypropylene can be utilized.Alternatively, any other suitable materials can be used for thecomponents of the no-spill cup. The components of the cup are all madeof durable materials, resistant to breakage, dishwasher safe, andpreferably color fast.

In accordance with the invention, cup 7 includes a no-spill cap or cover11, a valve holder or assembly 31 and tumbler cup 22. No-spill cap 11includes a spout 14 for drinking liquid from the cup. The spout is sizedto allow an individual to place his or her mouth over the spout to drinktherefrom. In the preferred embodiment, the spout is sized for the mouthof a child, particularly for a child of a young age.

No-spill cap 11 forms a cover for placement over tumbler cup 22. Whenattached to the cup 22, a secure seal is formed such that no liquid canemerge through the connection between the cap 11 and cup 22. In use, cap11 is sufficiently secured to cup 22 such that shaking the cup assembly,dropping the cup on the floor, or other vigorous movement of the cupassembly, or application of sharp force thereto, is insufficient toseparate the cap from the cup.

In one embodiment, no-spill cap 11 and tumbler cup 22 include matingmale and female screw threads, such that the cap 11 is a screw-on capwhich can be easily rotated onto the tumbler cup 22, as shown in FIG. 2.In an alternative embodiment, a snap-on cap is used, as shown in FIG. 1.In this embodiment, a resilient ring portion of cap 11 securely fitsover lip 10 of tumbler cup 22, as is well known in the art. Although ascrew-on cap or a snap-on cap are shown as two preferred embodiments,alternatively, any other suitable mechanism to secure the cap to thetumbler cup can be utilized.

Either the screw-on cap and/or the snap-on cap can be further providedwith a gasket 110 between the tumbler cup and the cap, to further sealthe connection between the cup and the cap. This gasket can be part ofthe tumbler cup 22 or the cap 11, or can be a separate element insertedbetween the cap and the cup. In a preferred embodiment, the gasket 110is part of cap 11, as shown in FIGS. 11(a)-(c).

Alternatively, the cap can be provided with a small annular inner lip,on the inside of the cap, which acts as a gasket. This lip, as shown inFIGS. 12(a)-(c), wedges inside the cup when the cap is screwed or placedupon it. The lip acts to further prevent the possibility of liquid flowthrough the contact between the cup and the cap.

In a preferred embodiment, finger grips are provided on the outside ofthe cap, such as grooves or the like. These grips facilitate removal andapplication of the cap, particularly in embodiments requiring thescrewing of the cap on and off of the cup.

The cap is also preferably interchangeable with numerous tumbler cups ofdifferent sizes. In this embodiment, the rim of the tumbler cups are allof the same diameter, although the tumbler cups themselves are ofdifferent volumes. For example, the same sized cap could be used on a 6½oz. cup and/or a 7 oz. cup and/or a 9 oz. cup, and so forth.

In a further embodiment of the cap, the cap has a soft spout 130 asshown in FIG. 13. Preferably, the spout is made of a thermoelastomer.Spout 130 can be insert molded to a polypropylene cap, providing acombination cap having a hard section for attachment to the cup, and asoft spout portion. Preferably, the spout has a small channel extendingtherethrough to reduce the liquid volume which can be trapped within thespout portion.

In a further embodiment of the cap, the cap has a reduced volume spoutas shown in FIG. 14. Reduced volume spout 140 is designed to reduce thevolume of liquid which can be trapped within the spout. Reduced volumespout 140 has a volume reduction member 144 inserted therein to reducethe internal volume of the spout, and to provide a channel 148 forliquid flow. Preferably, valve assembly subunit 142 extends up intospout 140 to further reduce the amount of liquid which can be trapped inspout 140. Valve assembly subunit 142 can, for example, extend intovolume reduction member 144. Accordingly, this embodiment reduces thespace between the valve and the opening of the drinking spout, to reducethe amount of liquid potentially trapped in this area.

As shown in FIG. 1(b), no-spill cap 11 includes valve assembly carriers16 and 18. In the preferred embodiment, valve assembly carriers 16 and18 are tapered holes provided on the underside of the cap. Valveassembly carrier or tapered hole 18 leads to an open spout 14, providinga path for liquid flow. Thus, valve assembly carrier or hole 18 is fullyopen on both sides, both on its top surface, which leads to spout 14,and on its bottom surface opposite tumbler cup 32, for the flow ofliquid out of tumbler cup 22 through hole 18 and through spout 14 intothe user's mouth.

Valve assembly carrier or tapered hole 16, in contrast, provides apassage for the flow of air into the cup during use, allowing liquid toexit through opposing hole 18 and spout 14. Hole 16 is open on one side,i.e. on its lower surface opposite tumbler cup 22. On the opposing side,hole 16 merges into the inner surface of cap 11. The inner surface ofcap 11 is further provided with one or more, preferably small, vents orholes for air flow, allowing air to flow through the vents of cap 11 andthrough hole 16 into the cup assembly during use.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, no-spill cup 7 further includes valve holderor assembly 31. Valve holder 31 is preferably constructed from a hightemperature ABS material, and is dimensioned to fit snugly into cap 11.In the preferred embodiment, valve holder is a separate assembly whichfits into cap 11. Alternatively, the valve holder can be provided as anintegral part of cap 11 and/or cup 7. For example, valve holder 31 canbe molded as a part of cap 11, such that the valve holder is inseparablefrom the cap.

In the preferred embodiment, valve holder 31 is a two-subunit assemblyconnected by bridge 34. Each subunit of the two-subunit assembly issized to frictionally fit into and be held by either one of taperedholes 16 and 18. The spacing between tapered holes 16 and 18 is the sameas between the subunits of valve holder 31, such that the valve holdercan be easily secured within cap 11. The sizing and tapering of holes 16and 18 and the sizing of valve holder 31 are dimensioned so as toprovide a secure, snug mating between the valve assembly and the taperedholes. In a preferred embodiment, the top of the valve holder (i.e. theside facing the spout) and the bottom of the valve holder (i.e. the sidefacing the cup) has two different diameters. The top is proportioned tofit snugly into the tapered hole, and the bottom is proportioned suchthat it cannot be inserted into hole 16 or 18. In this way, a mechanismis provided to prevent the valve holder from being inserted into theholes in the wrong orientation, i.e. upside down.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, exploded, perspective view of the valve holder ofthe present invention. Valve holder 31 consists of two valve holdersubunits 37 and 39, connected by a bridge 34. Each valve holder subunitis intended to hold a single valve therein. As shown in the figure,valve or valve member 42 is intended for placement in subunit 37, andvalve or valve member 45 is intended for placement in subunit 39. Valves42 and 45 each include a slit for the passage of liquid. The slit ispreferably through the center portion of the valve, and is dimensionedto allow a predetermined flow level or rate of liquid therethrough, asdesired.

Valve holder subunits 37 and 39 open into sealing units 37 a and 39(a)and valve retainers or endcaps 37 b and 39(b), respectively. Takingsubunit 37 as an example of the function of each subunit, as shown inFIG. 3, subunit 37 is initially in an open position in which the sealingunit and the valve retainer have been pulled or hinged apart. In oneembodiment, the sealing unit and the valve retainer have a tab 60connecting them, to prevent the components from being permanentlyseparated accidentally. Alternatively, the valve retainer can be weldedinto place (e.g. by sonic welding), as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. Thesealing units each have at least one open section 58, such that, in thevalve assembly's disassembled state, fluid can pass, unobstructed,through the sealing unit since no valve is in place. Likewise, the valveretainers are open on both sides for unobstructed passage of fluidthrough the valve retainer in the disassembled state when no valve is inplace.

To assemble the valve assembly, valve 42 is inserted into the valveholder by placement of the valve between sealing unit 37 a and valveretainer 37 b. After a valve has been placed into one or both of thesubunits, the valve retainers can each be folded or hinged back abouttab 60, over the sealing unit 37 (or under sealing unit 39, in theorientation shown in the figure) and snapped into place to close thesubunits, as shown in FIG. 5. The resilience of the sealing unit allowsfor a tight seal to be established between the valve retainer and thesealing unit. When closed, each subunit secures or encapsulates a valvetightly therein, maintaining the valve in place in the valve holder. Forclarity, reference is primarily made to subunit 37, although subunits 37and 39 are preferably the same in all features other than the size ofthe valve opening. For the purposes of the present discussion, it isassumed that subunit 37 is the subunit intended for initial placementinto hole 18.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 8 and 9, upon closing a subunit (e.g. subunit 37in FIG. 3), valve 42 sits securely against center seal-off stop orcenter stop 52 in sealing unit 37 a, with the opening 70 in valve 42being flush against center seal-off stop 52. Valve 42 includes a top,proximal side which will face the spout of the cap, and a distal sidewhich rests against the center seal-off stop when the valve is placed invalve holder 31.

Center stop 52 functions as a sealing portion or blocking element of thevalve assembly which seals off and blocks the flow of fluid through thevalve. In a preferred embodiment, center stop 52 consists of a solidcentral area or portion 56 which is impenetrable to the flow of liquidtherethrough. Surrounding the central area or portion 56 is preferably aperipheral area or region 58, having open areas such as slots or soforth, for allowing the passage of liquid therethrough, as shown, forexample in FIG. 8(a). Central area 56 or center stop 52 further includesstems 74. As shown in FIG. 9, stems 74 can further be reinforced withbraces 72, which are reinforcing elements, which provide additionalmaterial strength to the connection between the stems and the valveholder.

When in the normal resting position, valve 42 relaxes to sit securelyagainst the center stop 52, as shown in FIG. 8(d). In this restingposition, opening or orifice 70 of valve 42 presses firmly against thecentral area 56 of center stop 52, preventing any fluid flow through thevalve, and maintaining the valve in a closed configuration.

To drink from the cup, a user raises the cup to his or her mouth andbegins to suck liquid through spout 14. In the process, the user createsnegative pressure or a partial vacuum against the top of valve 42 insubunit 37. Valve 42 is constructed of a flexible material which isdesigned to fully invert and turn inside out, or to begin to invert andturn inside out, upon creation of a partial vacuum against the top ofthe valve 42, as shown in FIG. 8(e). For example, valve 42 can be amembrane, either in whole or in part. Preferably, the valve isconstructed of Kraton or silicone. If silicone is used, a 45 durometersilicone such as Lims 6045 is preferred, which is available from GeneralElectric or from Wacker (a subsidiary of Bayer) of Germany. Thematerials used for the valve assembly and its components aresufficiently durable and heat resistant that the entire valve assemblycan be placed in a dishwasher or boiled.

FIGS. 7 and 8, for example, show a preferred bowl shape for the flexiblematerial of the valve 42. FIGS. 8(d) and 8(e) show the valve before andafter it inverts, with FIG. 8(d) showing the valve assembly not in use,with no negative pressure applied, and with FIG. 8(e) showing the valveassembly in use, with negative pressure applied to the valve. As showntherein, upon application of negative pressure, the bottom (distal side)of the bowl and the opening in that bottom move away from the blockingelement, toward the cop (proximal side) of the bowl, and toward thespout, allowing liquid to exit through the opening.

In a preferred embodiment, the valve material is constructed of a singlematerial with a greater thickness of material on the center area whichseals off on the center stop, and with a thinner portion of material onthe sidewalls. Providing a thinner sidewall portion contributes to theflexibility of the valve at its edges, which further assists andencourages inversion of the valve, by causing the valve to flex at thesidewalls first upon application of negative pressure thereto. Preferreddimensions for the valve thickness are approximately 0.4 mm of thicknesson the sidewalls and approximately 0.9 mm of thickness on the centerarea.

Upon inversion of valve 42, opening or orifice 70 is displaced away fromcentral area 56 of center stop 52. The inversion of the valve thereforeunblocks opening 70 allowing fluid flow through the subunit. As negativepressure is being applied to the top of the valve 42 located next to thespout, negative pressure is likewise being applied to the bottom of theadjacent valve in the other subunit, located in the other tapered holeof the cup cover. Thus, this negative pressure, opens the second valveas well, by displacing the opening in the other valve away from itscenter stop. Inversion of valves 42 allows fluid flow to proceed throughboth subunits of the assembly. Liquid will flow through one subunit ofthe valve assembly, the subunit connected to the spout, concurrentlyaccompanied by air flow through the other subunit of the assembly, thesubunit connected to the air vents. In this manner, liquid smoothly andeasily flows though the valve assembly, the spout, and out of the cup.

In a preferred embodiment, the valve assembly is further provided with aflow bridge 84. Flow bridge 84 blocks movement or expansion of the valve42 beyond a certain maximum distance to prevent the valve fromoverextending itself, or from being subjected to excessive strain ordistension, as shown in FIG. 8(e). Thus, the flow bridge prevents thevalve from inverting beyond the point where it can no longer easilyrevert to its original position. In addition, the flow bridge provides ashield or a barrier preventing the valve from damage. Thus, it blocksobjects such as a spoon or so forth, whether in a dishwasher orotherwise, from easily damaging the valve.

When negative pressure is released or removed from the spout, the valvereverts back to its resting position, and fluid cannot flow through theclosed slit in the valve. In the resting position, no liquid will spillfrom or emerge out of the cup.

Further embodiments of the valve holder and assembly are shown in FIGS.4 and 7-9. As shown in FIG. 4, instead of the valve retainer shown inFIG. 3, a detachable snap fit valve retainer 81 can alternatively beprovided. Or, as shown in FIG. 7, valve retainer 94 can be provided aswell. Valve retainers 81 and 94 serve the same function as valveretainers 37 b and 39(b), holding and securing the valve within thevalve assembly. It is preferred that the valve retainer, whicheverembodiment is utilized, be sonic welded on, to ensure that the valvecannot be dislodged or removed from the holder.

Thus, in accordance with the invention, a system is provided formaintaining a tight seal against fluid flow when the cup is not in use.An extremely secure seal is provided, such that excessive or vigorousshaking is ineffective to force fluid out of the cup. Significantly, thevalve construction disclosed results in a much tighter seal than thatobserved in the no-spill cup assemblies of the prior art. In accordancewith the invention, unless the user sucks through the spout, no liquidwill flow through the valve.

In the preferred embodiment, subunits 37 and 39 are preferably identicalin all respects excepts for the size of the orifice or slit in valve 42and the slit in valve 45. It is preferred that one valve be providedwith a larger opening than the other valve, such as a longer slit in onevalve than the other. In one embodiment, one valve is provided with anopening in the form of a slit of approximately two hundred thousandths (200/1000) of an inch in length, while the second valve is provided witha slit of approximately fifty thousandths ( 50/1000) of an inch.Alternatively, other lengths may, of course, be used as well inaccordance with the invention.

By varying the size and/or shape of the opening in the valve, thepresent inventor has further provided a novel dual acting flow systemfor regulating fluid flow. In this system, the level of flow of liquidout of the cup during use can be easily regulated. Regulation isaccomplished by a simple rotation of the valve assembly which convertsthe cup between a faster or higher liquid flow, and a slower or lowerflow system.

As shown in FIG. 5, valve holder 31 can be inserted into cap 11 ineither of two configurations. In a first configuration, valve 45, havinga larger opening or slit, is placed into hole 18, the hole incommunication with spout 14. In this configuration, a first, higher,flow level of liquid through the valve is established when the usersucks liquid through the spout, due to the use of the valve having thelarger opening therein. By removing the valve holder 31 from holes 16and 18, and flipping the valve holder 31 one hundred eighty degrees(180°), the other valve 42, having the smaller opening, can be insertedinto hole 18. This valve 42 provides a second, lower flow state, inwhich liquid can still flow out of the spout, but at a lower flow ratethan flow through the first valve. In this way, the rate of flow ofliquid out of the cup can be regulated by a parent. Although a two levelflow system is disclosed, greater or fewer flow levels can be providedby varying the number of attached subunits having valves therein, or byproviding replacement valve holders having different sized openings 70therein. In all configurations, however, liquid only flows through thevalve when the user sucks through the spout, as disclosed above.

Any form of desired opening suitable for passage of a desired level ofliquid can be utilized in the valve. The opening 70 can be, for example,a slit, a slot, an orifice, a hole, or so forth. Likewise, by the termopening, it is contemplated that multiple openings of these or any othertypes can be provided as well.

In one embodiment, the opening 70 is an “X” shaped slot 78, as shown inFIG. 7. In another preferred embodiment, the opening is a “T” shapedslot 76, as also shown in FIG. 7. Use of the X-shaped slot 78 shown inFIG. 7, will provide a higher flow rate than the T-shaped slot 76 showntherein. The flow rate, of course, depends on the total length of theslots, or in general, on the size of the opening. Accordingly, both theX-shaped slot and the T-shaped slot can be used in a single valveassembly, each placed in its respective subunit. In this preferredembodiment, a two level flow system is provided, as previouslydiscussed.

In a further embodiment, both openings are X-shaped, with one openinglarger than the other. A 7 mm opening (the length from end to end ofeach crossbar of the “X”) can be used for the fast side, and a 6 mmopening for the slow side. Likewise, the drinking apparatus can includea cross-bar (an X-shaped bar) in contact with the flexible material, asshown for example, in FIG. 7.

It is further preferred that the valve holder be marked to indicatewhich subunit is suitable for higher flow, and which for lower flow ofliquid therethrough. Accordingly, the valve holders can be explicitlymarked “Fast” and “Slow” as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, respectively.Alternatively, or additionally, the subunits or the valve holders can bemarked with a hare or rabbit, signifying fast flow, and a tortoise orturtle, signifying slow flow, as respectively also shown in FIGS. 7 and9. The subunit connected to the spout is, of course, the subunit whichcontrols the liquid flow rate. The valve holder can be marked, forexample, on the subunit itself, or on the bridge in an area directlyadjacent to the subunit, as shown in the figures. In one embodiment, thevalve holder is marked on the top and bottom (i.e. the sides facing thespout and the cup, respectively), such that the symbols and/or words canbe seen from the top when the valve holder is being inserted, and fromthe bottom, once it has already been inserted, to determine which speedvalve is in place in the spout. In an alternate embodiment, the wordsand/or symbols are only on the bottom of the valve, so that the user cansee them from the bottom when inserting the valve holder, and can alsoview the valve holder from the bottom, once inserted.

Having described this invention with regard to specific embodiments, itis to be understood that the description is not meant as a limitationsince further modifications may suggest themselves, or may be apparentto those in the art. It is intended that the present application coverall such modifications and improvements thereon.

1. A method, comprising: (a) providing a no-spill drinking apparatus,said apparatus being provided for a user to drink liquid out of, and toprevent accidental spilling of liquid by the user; (b) said no-spilldrinking apparatus comprising a cap, said cap further comprising aspout, said cap being provided for the user to drink liquid from saidspout, and to prevent spilling of liquid our of said spout when the useris not drinking from said spout; (c) said cap comprising a valve, saidvalve comprising a flexible material, said flexible material comprisingan opening therein; (d) said apparatus comprising a blocking elementbelow said flexible material; (e) wherein said opening of said flexiblematerial rests against said blocking element when the user is notdrinking from said spout; (f) and wherein said flexible material risesoff of said blocking element, unblocking said opening, when the usersucks through said spout to drink from said spout; (g) wherein saidapparatus is designed to allow air into said apparatus, said capcomprising an air vent, such that when the user sucks through saidspout, liquid passes through said opening and out of said spout, and airpasses through said vent and into said apparatus; (h) and wherein saidapparatus comprises a flow bridge, said flow bridge being a barrierabove said flexible material which blocks said flexible material frommoving beyond a maximum distance after said flexible material rises offof said blocking element.
 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid opening is a hole.
 3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein saidflexible material begins to invert when the user sucks through saidspout.
 4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said opening is aslit.
 5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein said flexible materialbegins to invert when the user sucks through said spout.
 6. A method asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises a valveholder, said valve holder being separable from said cap and beingdimensioned to fit snugly into said cap.
 7. A method as claimed in claim6, wherein said flexible material begins to invert when the user sucksthrough said spout.
 8. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidflexible material of said valve comprises a portion of material having afirst thickness, and wherein the area of said flexible material whichseals against said blocking element is provided with a thickness ofmaterial which is greater said first thickness.
 9. A method as claimedin claim 8, wherein said flexible material begins to invert when theuser sucks through said spout.
 10. A method as claimed in claim 1,wherein said spout of said cap is soft, and wherein said cap furthercomprises a hard section for attachment to a cup.
 11. A method asclaimed in claim 10, wherein said flexible material begins to invertwhen the user sucks through said spout.
 12. A method as claimed in claim1, wherein said apparatus further comprises: (a) a valve holder, saidvalve holder being separable from said cap and being dimensioned to fitsnugly into said cap; (b) wherein said flexible material of said valvecomprises a portion of material having a first thickness, and whereinthe area of said flexible material which seals against said blockingelement is provided with a thickness of material which is greater saidfirst thickness; (c) and wherein said apparatus comprises a cup, andsaid cup is hard.
 13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein saidspout of said cap is soft, and wherein said cap further comprises a hardsection for attachment to a cup.
 14. A method as claimed in claim 12,wherein said apparatus is provided for drinking by a child, and toprevent accidental spilling of liquid by the child.
 15. A method asclaimed in claim 14, wherein said flexible material begins to invertwhen the user sucks through said spout.
 16. A method as claimed in claim14, wherein said apparatus further comprises a second valve, said secondvalve comprising a second opening and a second blocking element, whereinsaid second blocking element blocks the flow of air through said secondopening when the user is not sucking at said spout, sand wherein saidsecond opening is unblocked to allow air to pass through said secondopening when the user sucks at said spout.
 17. A method as claimed inclaim 16, wherein said second opening is smaller than said opening ofsaid flexible material.
 18. A method as claimed in claim 12, whereinsaid flexible material begins to invert when the user sucks through saidspout.
 19. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein said apparatusfurther comprises a second valve, said second valve comprising a secondopening and a second blocking element, wherein said second blockingelement blocks the flow of air through said second opening when the useris not sucking at said spout, sand wherein said second opening isunblocked to allow air to pass through said second opening when the usersucks at said spout.
 20. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein saidsecond opening is smaller than said opening of said flexible material.21. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said apparatus furthercomprises a second valve, said second valve comprising a second openingand a second blocking element, wherein said second blocking elementblocks the flow of air through said second opening when the user is notsucking at said spout, sand wherein said second opening is unblocked toallow air to pass through said second opening when the user sucks atsaid spout.
 22. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein said secondopening is smaller than said opening of said flexible material.
 23. Amethod as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus is provided fordrinking by a child, and to prevent accidental spilling of liquid by thechild.
 24. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein said flexiblematerial begins to invert when the user sucks through said spout.
 25. Amethod as claimed in claim 24, wherein said apparatus further comprisesa second valve, said second valve comprising a second opening and asecond blocking element, wherein said second blocking element blocks theflow of air through said second opening when the user is not sucking atsaid spout, sand wherein said second opening is unblocked to allow airto pass through said second opening when the user sucks at said spout.26. A method as claimed in claim 25, wherein said second opening issmaller than said opening of said flexible material.
 27. A method asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises a cup.
 28. A methodas claimed in claim 27, wherein said flexible material begins to invertwhen the user sucks through said spout.
 29. A method as claimed in claim1, wherein said flexible material begins to invert when the user sucksthrough said spout.
 30. A method as claimed in claim 29, wherein saidapparatus further comprises a second valve, said second valve comprisinga second opening and a second blocking element, wherein said secondblocking element blocks the flow of air through said second opening whenthe user is not sucking at said spout, sand wherein said second openingis unblocked to allow air to pass through said second opening when theuser sucks at said spout.
 31. A method as claimed in claim 30, whereinsaid second opening is smaller than said opening of said flexiblematerial.
 32. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatusfurther comprises a second valve, said second valve comprising a secondopening and a second blocking element, wherein said second blockingelement blocks the flow of air through said second opening when the useris not sucking at said spout, sand wherein said second opening isunblocked to allow air to pass through said second opening when the usersucks at said spout.
 33. A method as claimed in claim 32, wherein saidsecond opening is smaller than said opening of said flexible material.34. A method, comprising: (a) providing a no-spill drinking apparatus,said apparatus being provided for a user to drink liquid out of, and toprevent accidental spilling of liquid by the user; (b) said no-spilldrinking apparatus comprising a cap, said cap comprising a spout, saidcap being provided for the user to drink liquid from said spout, and toprevent spilling of liquid our of said spout when the user is nordrinking from said spout; (c) said cap comprising a valve, said valvecomprising a flexible material, said flexible material comprising anopening therein; (d) said apparatus comprising a blocking element belowsaid flexible material; (e) wherein said opening of said flexiblematerial rests against said blocking element when the user is notdrinking from said spout; (f) and wherein said flexible material risesoff of said blocking element, unblocking said opening, when the usersucks through said spout to drink from said spout; (g) wherein saidflexible material comprises the shape of a bowl, said bowl having a topand a bottom, said opening being located in said bottom, said bowl beinginitially upright when said opening rests against said blocking element;(h) and wherein said flexible material begins to invert when the usersucks through said spout, such that said bottom of said bowl movescoward said top of said bowl, with said opening in said bottom movingtoward said top of said bowl, to allow liquid to exit through saidopening; (i) and wherein said cap further comprises an air vent, suchthat when the user sucks through said spout, liquid passes through saidopening and out of said spout, and air passes through said air vent andinto said apparatus.
 35. A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein saidopening is a hole.
 36. A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein saidopening is a slit.
 37. A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein saidflexible material of said valve comprises a portion of material having afirst thickness, and wherein the area of said flexible material whichseals against said blocking element is provided with a thickness ofmaterial which is greater said first thickness.
 38. A method as claimedin claim 34, wherein said spout of said cap is soft, and wherein saidcap further comprises a hard section for attachment to a cup.
 39. Amethod as claimed in claim 34, wherein said apparatus is provided fordrinking by a child, and to prevent accidental spilling of liquid by thechild.
 40. A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein said apparatuscomprises a cup.
 41. A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein saidapparatus comprises a barrier above said flexible material which blocksmovement of said flexible material after said flexible material risesoff of said blocking element.
 42. A method as claimed in claim 1,wherein said apparatus further comprises a second valve, said secondvalve comprising a second opening and a second blocking element, whereinsaid second blocking element blocks the flow of air through said secondopening when the user is not sucking at said spout, sand wherein saidsecond opening is unblocked to allow air to pass through said secondopening when the user sucks at said spout.
 43. A method as claimed inclaim 42, wherein said second opening is smaller than said opening ofsaid flexible material.
 44. A method as claimed in claim 34, whereinsaid apparatus further comprising a valve holder, said valve holderbeing separable from said cap and being dimensioned to fit snugly intosaid cap.
 45. A method as claimed in claim 44, wherein said apparatuscomprises a barrier above said flexible material which blocks movementof said flexible material after said flexible material rises off of saidblocking element.
 46. A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein saidapparatus further comprises: (a) a valve holder, said valve holder beingseparable from said cap and being dimensioned to fit snugly into saidcap; (b) wherein said flexible material of said valve comprises aportion of material having a first thickness, and wherein the area ofsaid flexible material which seals against said blocking element isprovided with a thickness of material which is greater said firstthickness; (c) and wherein said apparatus comprises a cup, and said cupis hard.
 47. A method as claimed in claim 46, wherein said apparatus isprovided for drinking by a child, and to prevent accidental spilling ofliquid by the child.
 48. A method as claimed in claim 46, wherein saidspout of said cap is soft, and wherein said cap further comprises a hardsection for attachment to a cup.
 49. A method as claimed in claim 46,wherein said apparatus comprises a barrier above said flexible materialwhich blocks movement of said flexible material after said flexiblematerial rises off of said blocking element.
 50. A method as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises a second valve, saidsecond valve comprising a second opening and a second blocking element,wherein said second blocking element blocks the flow of air through saidsecond opening when the user is not sucking at said spout, sand whereinsaid second opening is unblocked to allow air to pass through saidsecond opening when the user sucks at said spout.
 51. A method asclaimed in claim 50, wherein said second opening is smaller than saidopening of said flexible material.
 52. A method as claimed in claim 34,wherein said apparatus further comprises: (a) a valve holder, said valveholder being separable from said cap and being dimensioned to fit snuglyinto said cap; (b) wherein said flexible material of said valvecomprises a portion of material having a first thickness, and whereinthe area of said flexible material which seals against said blockingclement is provided with a thickness of material which is greater saidfirst thickness; (c) and wherein said spout of said cap is soft, andsaid cap further comprises a hard section for attachment to a cup.
 53. Amethod as claimed in claim 52, wherein said apparatus comprises abarrier above said flexible material which blocks movement of saidflexible material after said flexible material rises off of saidblocking element.
 54. A method as claimed in claim 52, wherein saidapparatus further comprises a second valve, said second valve comprisinga second opening and a second blocking element, wherein said secondblocking element blocks the flow of air through said second opening whenthe user is not sucking at said spout, sand wherein said second openingis unblocked to allow air to pass through said second opening when theuser sucks at said spout.
 55. A method as claimed in claim 54, whereinsaid second opening is smaller than said opening of said flexiblematerial.
 56. A method as claimed in claim 55, wherein said apparatuscomprises a barrier above said flexible material which blocks movementof said flexible material after said flexible material rises off of saidblocking element.
 57. A method as claimed in claim 54, wherein saidapparatus comprises a barrier above said flexible material which blocksmovement of said flexible material after said flexible material risesoff of said blocking element.